Experimental Archaeology & Draft Cattle in Germany

Claus Kropp has a the kind of job you only get it if you make it for yourself. He works as the founding director of the Lauresham Open-Air Laboratory at UNESCO Lorsch, a medieval abbey site in Germany. There, they have a full-scale model of a medieval village, filled with historically accurate buildings and animals. Claus works the land with his oxen and practices "experimental archaeology," which you will hear explained in the episode. He also runs the non-profit, overseeing the day-to-day of a busy public facing historical venue and research institution, and organizing the Center for Draft Cattle Research and Organization to connect draft cattle users all around the world. He tells us working with oxen puts him in flow, and you can hear his deep love for these animals -- and passion for draft cattle generally -- shine through our interview. His organization is also the home of the World Draft Cattle Symposium, and we talked shortly after a successful Symposium in spring 2024.